The Effects of Primary Brain Tumors on Vision and Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients

Brain tumors are the leading cause of death from childhood cancer. Overall survival has improved due to earlier detection, better therapies, and improved posttreatment surveillance. Permanent sequelae of the tumor and its treatment may cause severe impairment and decreased quality of life (QoL). Pediatric primary brain tumor patients' vision can be severely affected, even when the tumor location does not primarily involve the visual pathway. Visual dysfunction and impaired vision-related QoL may not be detected or screened for in children with primary brain tumors for many reasons, including examination difficulty and lack of awareness. The authors review the ophthalmic presenting symptoms, effects on vision, and quality of life in pediatric patients with primary brain tumors. They also describe and emphasize the importance of systematic neuro-ophthalmologic examinations in this population, which may improve long-term visual and QoL outcomes through earlier interventions.